Podcast
The Pursuit of Purpose
Hosted by Chris Kiefer · EN
Wisdom, stories, and advice from successful entrepreneurs and inspirational people. Hosted by Chris Kiefer.
38episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
193 The Secrets Behind High-Performance Sales Compensation with Cal Habayeb
Dec 900:43:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Chris Kiefer sits down with Cal Habayeb, Sales Compensation Design & Strategy at Cloudflare, to unpack how smart compensation plans can drive real growth. They dive into Cal’s journey from finance and consulting into tech, how enterprise sales teams are structured, and why sales comp sits at the crossroads of finance, operations, and human behavior. Cal explains concepts like ARR, quota setting, attainment curves, and accelerators in plain language, and shares how good plans align incentives, manage performance, and reduce churn—without confusing reps or blowing up the budget. They also explore how AI is changing sales operations, from deal support and policy bots to future shifts in sales productivity and headcount.📢 Don’t just pay your sales team—design a system that drives the right behavior.👉 Watch now, LISTEN , and FOLLOW for more conversations on building smarter businesses.📚 Book Recommendations:48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene: CLICK HEREOf Mice and Men by John Steinbeck: CLICK HEREZero to One by Peter Thiel: CLICK HERE🎬 Movie Recommendations:There Will Be Blood Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson: CLICK HERETokyo Sonata Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa: CLICK HERE📩 Connect with Cal Habayeb:LinkedIn: Cal Habayeb - CLICK HERE🎥 North Idaho Film Festival: CLICK HERE
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192 AI & Automation Are Changing the Game for Business Owners with Patrick Flanagan
Oct 2100:35:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Chris Kiefer interviews Patrick Flanagan, the owner of Univium, an automation agency. They discuss the journey of content creation on YouTube, the importance of sharing knowledge in the automation community, and the principles of effective business automation. Patrick shares insights on how AI is transforming automation, the value of simple automations, and the future of citizen development in the tech landscape. The conversation emphasizes the significance of unifying a business owner's vision with effective processes to enhance productivity and efficiency.📢 Don’t just dream about smarter systems—build them.👉 Follow us now and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.Book Recommendations:Come Up for Air — Nick Sonnenberg: Click hereHigh Output Management — Andrew Grove: Click hereThinking in Systems — Donella Meadows : Click hereMovie Recommendation:Interstellar — Directed by Christopher Nolan: Click hereConnect with Patrick Flanagan:LinkedIn: Click hereWebsite: Click here Fill out the contact form on Univium website, and Patrick’s team will get back to them within 24 hours.
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191 The Evolution of Powder Coating: A Journey with Paul Unger
Sep 2300:31:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Chris Kiefer interviews Paul Unger, the founder of Unger Powder Coatings, discussing his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship in the powder coating industry. Paul shares insights into the unique challenges of powder coating wood, the importance of quality and customer satisfaction, and strategies for scaling a manufacturing business. He emphasizes the need for innovation, training, and differentiation in a competitive market, while also providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Book Recommendations:-Good to Great by Jim Collins: Click hereMovie Recommendations:-The Shack directed by Stuart Hazeldine: Click hereHow to connect with Paul Unger:- LinkedIn: Click here- Email: paul@ungerpowdercoating.com- Website: Click here
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190 From Chili’s to Champagne: Building Luxury Dining Experiences with Matthew Francois
Sep 1700:51:12Tap to summarizeFrom slinging drinks at Chili’s to designing high-end dining experiences for top-tier entrepreneurs, Matthew Francois is redefining hospitality. In this episode, he joins Chris Kiefer to unpack how storytelling, intentionality, and a deep love for people can transform ordinary meals into unforgettable moments. If you’re a foodie, event creator, or just someone who wants to create more meaningful gatherings—this one’s for you.Book Recommendations:- From Tablet to Table by Leonard Sweet: Click here- Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara: Click here- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: Click hereMovie/Series Recommendations:- Chef’s Table (Netflix): Click here- SOMM (Documentary Series): Click hereConnect with Matthew Francois- Instagram: @thefeastinghouse- Personal Instagram: @mattfr.ancois- Website: feastinghouse.com - Password to enter the website: slowdown
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189 Human Touch in a Digital Age: Field Marketing’s Role Amid AI Disruption with Mike Gore-Hickman
Sep 1700:38:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Mike Gore-Hickman, Founder of Painter Growth, joins Chris Kiefer to explore how AI tools like ChatGPT-5 are reshaping industries—from software development to customer service and personalized marketing. 💡🚀 Discover how Mike’s team uses AI to build custom apps faster and cheaper, and how tools like Plod.ai are transforming sales by transcribing conversations in real time. They also dive into how AI can generate instant customer quotes using live and public data.🔥 Plus, learn about the evolving role of the Field Marketing Manager, and how AI-driven advertising is pushing the boundaries of personalized marketing strategies.🔍 Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business owner, or marketing professional, this episode is packed with insights on the future of AI in business!Book Recommendations:•The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber: Click here •The Four Hour Work Week: Click hereMovie Recommendations:• K-PoP Demon Hunters: Click here How can people connect with you?• Email: mike@paintergrowth.com • Website for Resources: Click here• Website for FMM Mini Course: Click here
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188 AI, Bots & the Dead Internet Theory: How Social Media is Being Hacked with Tim O’Hearn
Sep 1700:45:23Tap to summarizeJoin me with Tim O’Hearn, author of Framed: A Villain’s Perspective of Social Media. Tim reveals how he built bots to manipulate Instagram’s algorithm, breaks down the chilling “Dead Internet Theory,” and warns about AI’s looming takeover. Discover: How fake accounts and bots dominate social media Why AI could erase human creativity in 2 years Tim’s urgent advice for creators and entrepreneurs🔥 Don’t miss this explosive conversation about the dark side of tech and what it means for YOUR future online.Book Recommendations:- Framed by Tim O'Hearn - Click here- Spam Kings by Brian S McWilliams - Click here- Superbloom by Nicholas Carr - Click here- Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams - Click hereMovie/Series Recommendation:- The Social Dilemma directed by Jeff Orlowski-Yang - Click hereHow to Connect with Tim O’Hearn:- Beehiiv - Click here- LinkedIn - Click here- Facebook - Click here- Website - Click here
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187 From Ladder to Live Video: A Painter’s Journey to Tech Success w/ James Hatfield
Apr 22, 202500:29:41Tap to summarizeDiscover how live video technology is transforming the way service businesses connect with customers—from 911 emergency calls to virtual estimates for painters and plumbers. No app needed, just one tap and you’re live. Join us as James Hatfield shares his journey from painting houses to building billion-dollar tech solutions that are changing the game. Subscribe to Pursuit of Purpose for more inspiring stories and business insights.Book Recommendations:Bible Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson Gung Ho! by Ken Blanchard I Dare You! by William H. Danforth Movie/Series Recommendation:Free Enterprise directed by Michael GrossHow to Connect with James Hatfield:Website - click hereLinkedIn - click here
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170 From Rock Bottom to Purpose: Joe Roberts' Journey of Transformation and Leadership
Nov 18, 202400:55:51Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode, Joe Roberts—entrepreneur, speaker, and recovery advocate—shares his inspiring journey from homelessness and addiction to thriving in business and life. He challenges us to stop worrying about the future and start focusing on today, offering a fresh perspective on overcoming fear, failure, and self-doubt. Joe dives into the power of a growth mindset, the importance of small wins, and how turning adversity into strength can unlock your true potential. Whether you’re stuck in a cycle of consumption without action or facing your own personal struggles, Joe’s message is clear: Take the first step, and the rest will follow. Tune in for a dose of real talk, practical advice, and a spark of inspiration to help you transform your life—starting today. Book Recommendations:- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - Click Here Atomic Habits by James Clear - Click Here Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink - Click Here Movie/TV Show Recommendations:- Forrest Gump - Click Here How should people connect with you? LinkedIn - Click here Website - Click Here
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169 Empty Your Backpack Tour, Professional Speaking & Upcoming Children's Book with Sam Demma
Nov 11, 202400:56:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we interview Sam Demma, a speaker, coach, and author of Empty Your Backpack, about his inspiring journey and the impact mentorship has had on his career. Sam shares how he connected with his mentor, Dan Martell, through Instagram and how Dan’s guidance has shaped his path as a speaker and coach. Starting his speaking career at 18, Sam began by addressing school audiences and later transitioned to online platforms. He discusses the creation of his Empty Your Backpack tour, which aims to inspire young people to make a difference in the world, motivated by a personal experience that ignited his passion for giving back to the community. Sam emphasizes the importance of mentorship and believes that everyone has the potential to leave a positive impact. This episode provides valuable insights into leadership, personal growth, and the importance of giving back. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on mentorship, coaching, and making a difference! Book Recommendations: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell - Click Here The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida - Click Here The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey - Click Here Movie/TV Show Recommendations: The Simone Biles Story: Courage to Soar - Click Here How should people connect with you? Instagram - Click Here Website - Click Here
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168 Master Real Estate Success with BRRRR, Networking, & Goal Setting with Michael Ketchen
Nov 4, 202400:42:15Tap to summarizeUnlock the secrets of real estate success in this engaging conversation! Whether you're a beginner or seasoned investor, this video dives deep into the power of the BRRRR method, the importance of building a strong network, and how setting clear goals is the key to long-term success. Our guest speaker, Michael Ketchen, a real estate investor and the founder of the Commonwealth Collective, shares his invaluable insights on staying patient, persistent, and strategic in the ever-evolving world of real estate. Ready to take your investments to the next level? Watch now and start paving your path to financial freedom! Book Recommendations: - Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki - Click here - The Honeybee by Jake and Gino - Click here - The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco - Click here Movie/TV Show Recommendations: - Snatch (2000) by Guy Ritchie - Click here How should people connect with you? - Instagram - Click here
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